Correction: Site C Not In Compliance With Some Environmental Rules

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Chief of Compliance and Enforcement has issued a warning against Site C, saying the air isn’t being properly monitored.

In his letter, he states he visited Site C from April 26th to April 29th of this year.

During his inspection and also with information from B.C. Hydro and the Power Authority, Michel Vitou says he found that none of the air quality monitoring stations was collecting data for several substances:

Total suspended particulates

Carbon monoxide

Nitrogen dioxide

Sulfur dioxide

He said they were unable to monitor proper air quality effects as required by conditions 12.3.3 and 12.3.4 and section 5.0 of the Air Quality Management Plan.

Vitou says he has reasonable grounds to believe that BC Hydro and the Power Authority are not in compliance with the CEAA 2012.

They are particularly not in compliance with condition 12.6 of the decision statement which was issued by the Minister of Environment.

He also states that in paragraph 6(b) of the CEAA 2012, they are allegedly committing an offence contrary to subsection 99(1) which states they are punishable on liable and conviction, for a first time offence, to a fine of not more than $200,000 and not more than $400,000.

It states that each day they continue to commit the offence, they are liable and can be punished for each separate day the offences are committed.

Vitou says this is not legal action or judgement. If he returns, or someone else returns, and they find the same findings, they will take further action.

Vitou says he will take comments from them until June 10th. If he withdraws his warning, he will give them written notice.